Security forces kill 74 terrorists in KP, Balochistan operations

Security forces have killed 74 terrorists during intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, according to the military’s media wing on Friday.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said 43 terrorists were killed in separate operations across KP over the past 48 hours. The operations targeted militant networks in Mir Ali, North Waziristan, and Orakzai district.

According to the statement, security forces killed 35 terrorists in Mir Ali and eight others in Orakzai following intense exchanges of fire. The operations were aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and eliminating threats in the region.

Security personnel also recovered a substantial quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives during subsequent sanitisation operations. The recovered material included homemade explosives and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which terrorists allegedly planned to use in militant activities.

The ISPR said clearance operations were continuing to locate and eliminate any remaining militants hiding in the targeted areas.

Meanwhile, security forces have killed 31 terrorists in Balochistan since November 3 during an intelligence-based area sanitisation operation in the Kurram area of Quetta district.

The military’s media wing said the operation targeted groups it described as India-backed Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan. Several terrorist hideouts were targeted during multiple engagements, resulting in the deaths of 31 militants.

Weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from the targeted locations. The ISPR said sanitisation operations were underway to eliminate any remaining militants in the area.

It added that counterterrorism operations under the Azm-i-Istehkam campaign would continue to eliminate foreign-sponsored terrorism and restore lasting peace across the country.

President Asif Ali Zardari praised security forces for their operations, commending their continued efforts against terrorism. He said their successes reflected the country’s determination to protect national security and maintain peace.

The president also highlighted the recovery of weapons and explosives, describing it as evidence of the effectiveness of the security forces’ actions. He expressed confidence that attempts by externally sponsored militant groups to undermine Pakistan’s stability would not succeed.

The latest operations come amid a rise in militant violence across the country. According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), 49 militant attacks were recorded nationwide between October 30 and November 5, compared with 31 attacks during the preceding week.

The attacks claimed 25 lives and left 21 people injured, highlighting the continuing security challenges facing Pakistan, particularly in KP and the former tribal districts.